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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): A Comprehensive Guide

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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Identification, Diagnosis and Strategies for Parents and Professionals

by Alyson Mountjoy

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1037 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	255 pages

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a hidden disability that affects how the brain interprets sound. People with APD have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, following directions, and remembering what they hear. APD can make it difficult to succeed in school, at work, and in social situations.

Symptoms of APD

The symptoms of APD can vary depending on the severity of the disorder. Some common symptoms include:

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
Difficulty following directions
Difficulty remembering what they hear
Difficulty with sound localization
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound)
Phonophobia (fear of sound)

Causes of APD

The exact cause of APD is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors for APD include:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Exposure to certain medications during pregnancy
Exposure to loud noises during childhood
Head injury
Autism spectrum disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Diagnosis of APD

APD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist. The evaluation will typically include a hearing test, a speech perception test, and a test of auditory processing skills. The audiologist will also ask about your child's developmental history and symptoms.

Treatment for APD

There is no cure for APD, but there are a number of treatments that can help to improve auditory processing skills. Some common treatments include:

Auditory training
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Medication

Living with APD

Living with APD can be challenging, but there are a number of things you can do to cope with the disorder. Some tips for living with APD include:

Find a quiet place to listen to speech
Use headphones or a hearing aid to improve sound quality
Break down instructions into smaller steps
Ask for repetition or clarification when needed
Use visual cues to supplement auditory information
Join a support group for people with APD

Auditory processing disorder is a hidden disability that can make it difficult to understand speech, follow directions, and remember what you hear. APD can be caused by a number of factors, including premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to certain medications during pregnancy, exposure to loud noises during childhood, head injury, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. APD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist. There is no cure for APD, but there are a number of treatments that can help to improve auditory processing skills. With proper diagnosis and treatment, people with APD can learn to cope with the disorder and live full and productive lives.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Identification, Diagnosis and Strategies for Parents and Professionals

by Alyson Mountjoy

4.9 out of 5